Raiders: Josh Jacobs’ Transition from committee contributor to workhorse

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has already proved worthy of a first-round pick and more with his steady development into a complete playmaker.

When the Las Vegas Raiders selected Josh Jacobs with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2019 draft, some skeptics questioned the choice. NFL running backs have a short career span. Furthermore, 2017 second- and third-rounders such as Dalvin Cook, Joe Mixon, Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt broke out early in their respective careers.

Nonetheless, the Raiders wouldn’t trade Jacobs for any running back in the NFL right now.

He came into the league with little mileage on his legs, logging just 251 carries through three terms. For perspective, 12 collegiate tailbacks had more rush attempts through the 2019 term alone.

Can Jacobs handle a big workload in the pros? At his position, is he really worth a first-round pick?

No one asks those questions now. Although many correctly state, it’s a quarterback league, Jacobs has quickly transitioned from a committee running back at Alabama to the workhorse engine of the Raiders offense.

Since 2019, Jacobs lists eighth in rush attempts (267) and seventh for rushing yards (1,243) across the league. Remember, he missed three contests during the previous campaign because of a fractured shoulder.

Despite a strong rookie showing, Jacobs worked hard to improve his game over the offseason. He’s more than a top-notch ball-carrier. Now, he can catch out of the backfield with consistency.